Lorena – Sous Chef
Working on board P&O Cruises ships for seven years, Lorena loves coaching and training her team as well as working alongside her husband!
“My name is Lorena Torres D’Souza and i’m a sous chef. My role involves, managing and developing colleagues and managing preparation and cooking. I coordinate with the executive chef and chef de cuisine to oversee galley operation and lead the culinary team to ensure all the food is prepared to high standard.
“My role also includes ensuring that the galley adheres to food safety procedures and making sure that all equipment in the galley is functioning properly.
“On my average day of work I always start with checking my emails then start to work on more analytical aspect of my job. I’m very particular about communicating with all the team, especially the head of the section to aim for a smooth operation.
What do you love about the role?
“It’s an excellent environment for people who thrive under pressure and enjoy a great deal of variety at work. It feels amazing to support the team with coaching and training and I love the thrill during service operation. I love the challenge that I face every single moment of my day on duty.
What skills and attributes do you need to be great at this job?
I believe you need leadership quality, excellent communication, and interpersonal skills, and a mature and professional attitude. You also need analytical skills, adaptability, creativity , flexibility, dependability and a strong work ethic.
What do you enjoy about life onboard?
I’m grateful that I work together with my husband all the time in every different contract. That’s been one of the most important things for me. I enjoy travelling to difference places and I love to taste the local food in each port. I also enjoy working with many different nationalities and the opportunity to coach others.
What is it about P&O Cruises that you love?
P&O Cruises care about wellbeing. They prioritise colleagues and have a good system in leadership. I love everything about P&O Cruises!
What’s your favourite port?
One of my favourite ports is Civitavecchia because I was able to go to Rome and visit the Vatican which has been my dream since grade school. It’s also where my husband proposed to me!
Do you have a favourite restaurant to work in?
I work in all sections in many dining venues on board. Epicurean is an amazing experience where you have the chance to speak to guests, but the main dining room galley is also enjoyable with massive production, and a big team to work with. Every place in the galley is a great place to learn.
What are your next career steps?
In few more years I would like to see myself in an executive chef position. As they say, it is always free to dream so we must dream big!
What advice would you give anyone considering a galley career with P&O Cruises?
Have passion and enjoy whatever you do.
